Significance of Four elements
The Four elements in various spiritual traditions refer to the foundational components of existence, primarily earth, water, fire, and air. In Buddhism, these elements are seen as the building blocks of the human body and are crucial in understanding both materiality and immateriality. These elements symbolize the interconnectedness of existence and are essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment. They represent not only the physical aspects of life but also the deeper philosophical insights into the nature of reality and consciousness.
Synonyms: Four components, Four constituents, Four factors, Four parts, Four aspects, Four constituents.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Four elements'
In Buddhism, the Four Elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—are fundamental components of existence, often misperceived as eternal. They embody both materiality and illusion, serving as basis for understanding the nature of reality and interconnectedness.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) The fundamental building blocks of physical existence, represented as earth, water, fire, and wind.[1] (2) The fundamental components of existence—earth, water, fire, and wind—that the practitioners mistakenly worship as everlasting causes.[2] (3) The foundational components (earth, water, fire, air) that constitute form and are often mistaken as self or possession.[3] (4) Earth, water, fire, and air considered by an individual to be permanent in nature, despite being constructs of living beings' false thoughts.[4] (5) Earth, air, fire, and water; considered by Treasury of Emptiness Bodhisattva to lack substance and are fundamentally empty.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The traditional Buddhist classification of materiality, which relates to the nature of the physical body.[6] (2) The four physical elements that constitute material things (dharmas)— earth, fire, water, and wind.[7] (3) The traditional elemental components of existence (earth, water, fire, air) from which physical bodies are understood to arise.[8]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The basic components of existence that the human body depends on, as discussed by Vimalakirti.[9] (2) Refers to earth, water, fire, and air, which a Bodhisattva states share an underlying voidness, emphasizing their non-duality.[10]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The fundamental components that constitute existence, discussed by the Exalted One as essential for understanding manifestation and reconstitution.[11]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Earth, fire, water, and wind, which serve as metaphors for the nature of existence and defilements in the discussion.[12]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The fundamental categories of matter that the Tathágata transcends, namely earth, water, fire, and air.[13]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The overarching categories of earth, water, fire, and air, serving as the basis for understanding material existence.[14] (2) The foundational elements considered in the analysis of both materiality and immateriality.[15] (3) The four fundamental elements are the earth element, water element, fire element, and air element that constitute the physical body.[16]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A philosophical reference to the basic constituents of existence, indicating minimalism and unity with nature.[17]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Referring to solidity, fluidity, heat, and motion, which are considered impermanent and are transcended in the state of Nibbana.[18]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The basic building blocks of existence, which serve as a foundational understanding for a Bhikshu in comprehending the nature of life.[19]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Fundamental aspects of existence in Buddhism that are examined and transcended through spiritual practice.[20] (2) A concept referring to the basic constituents of existence in some spiritual traditions, which can be exhausted or transformed towards enlightenment.[21] (3) Concepts that trees take in to greatly increase, symbolizing the nourishment and growth of virtuous roots through bodhicitta.[22]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The components believed in Buddhism that make up the human body: earth, water, fire, and wind.[23]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The four outer elements of earth, water, fire, and air are fundamental components that relate to the natural state of reality and the formation of phenomena.[24] (2) Refers to the fundamental components traditionally considered in various philosophies, illustrating how their nature does not stray from space's disposition.[25]
Hindu concept of 'Four elements'
The "Four elements" in Hinduism, primarily earth, water, fire, and air, represent the fundamental physical components of existence, contrasting with non-essential aspects and symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature and human actions.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The traditional components believed to constitute the physical world, though in this view seen as non-essential.[26] (2) The natural forces that are said to rage in mutual conflict during the battle, symbolizing the chaos of war.[27]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The substances in which only motion can occur without intelligent cause, influenced by impulsion.[28] (2) The basic physical components (Earth, Water, Fire, Air) in contrast with incorporeal concepts, serving as a framework for understanding action.[29]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The basic components referenced in the text as earth, water, fire, and ether, which the prana takes shelter of.[30] (2) Refers to earth, water, fire, and ether; these are the basic components of nature that were affected by the sorrow of the cowherd boys.[31]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The foundational components (air, fire, water, earth) that Carvakas identify as substance.[32]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The necessary components of Upama, which include upameya, upamana, samanya-dharma, and upamya-vaci-shabdah.[33]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The basic constituents—earth, water, fire, and air—believed to be the foundation of all existence and intelligence.[34]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Carvaka philosophy posits that the physical body is a mixture of earth, water, fire, and air.[35]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The fundamental components of earthly nature, consisting of ether, air, fire, and water.[36]